Scabies

Scabies

Scabies is a harmless but very itchy and highly contagious skin condition caused by mites that burrow into the skin and lay eggs. Symptoms include a severe itch, often worse at nighttime, and thin burrow tracks made of tiny bumps or blisters on the skin. Humans are allergic to the mites, which is what causes the itching.

Typically, scabies appear in folds of the skin, such as the armpits, around the waist, inside the wrists, between the fingers, on the soles of feet, on the back of knees or on inner elbows. In children, they more commonly appear on the face, scalp, neck, palms and soles. Scabies is spread through direct contact with an infected person or by sharing clothing and linens. It is so contagious that frequently when one person in a family is diagnosed with scabies, all family members are treated for it. It takes about 21 days for eggs to mature and new mites to begin burrowing through the skin.

Generally a visual examination of the skin is all that is needed to diagnose scabies. However, your dermatologist may take a small scrape of the skin to examine under a microscope. The typical treatment is prescription medicated creams applied liberally all over the body. It takes a few days of treatment before the sensation of itchiness begins to go away.

To help prevent further spreading, be sure to clean all clothes and linen in hot water and dry with high heat. Dry clean items you cannot machine wash in this manner or place the item in a sealed plastic bag and put it away for two weeks. The mites will die without a food source for this length of time.

I made an appointment for my husband they were able to get him in the next day. He got off work early they were able to squeeze him in early Continue Reading

F. MezatastaVerified PatientApex Dermatology SolonSeptember 5, 2019

Dr. Karpinski was able to get me in same day. She made me feel welcomed and did not rush the appointment. Her staff was very friendly and informative. I will be recommending Apex skin to my family and friends thanks to the compassion shown during my first visit. Thank you. Continue Reading

Nicholas S.Verified PatientApex Dermatology MedinaJune 21, 2019

Dr. Karpinski made me feel very welcomed when she came into the room. I explained why I was there and she took her time looking me over and explained what everything was. She ended up doing a procedure and gave me care instructions to take home. I will be back! Continue Reading